Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart: Low Cost, High Performance

Motoring Channel Staff - 15/January/2007

Detroit, America — The cat is out of the bag - Mitsubishi finally has a Subaru Impreza WRX rival in the form of the Lancer Ralliart, which made its global debut at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show.

Sitting between the standard Lancer sedan models and the giant-killing Lancer Evolution X, the new Ralliart model is set to become a new icon in the hot four segment.

Arriving in Australia before the half-way mark of 2008, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart will feature a de-tuned version of the Lancer Evolution X's stove-hot 2.0-litre turbo engine, outputting roughly 175kW (down from about 206kW).

Along with the reduced power output comes a reduced price and you can bet that there'll be a lot of these models on international roads and racetracks once it's launched globally.

When it arrives in Australian dealerships, the Lancer Ralliart is expected to be priced at around $40,000 to compete on the showroom floor with the new Subaru WRX STI hatch.

The hardcore Lancer Evolution range has traditionally rivalled the Subaru WRX STI, but the 169kW Subaru WRX has not had a direct Japanese rival until now. 

Both models are all-wheel drive, both have turbocharged 4-cylinder engines and the power comparison is as follows:

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart: 175kW
Subaru Impreza WRX: 169kW

Mitsubishi says the engine is mated to an SST gearbox that "delivers highly-efficient power transmission while enhancing the sporty driving qualities of the vehicle with lightning-quick, silky-smooth, paddle-actuated shifts or programmed fully-auto modes."

While the Lancer Ralliart appears to have the edge on paper by 6 kilowatts, that edge is likely to be reduced when the car arrives in Australia due to our hotter climate and poorer quality fuels.

One thing the Mitsubishi will have over the Subaru which could give it the edge is a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox option (or Twin-Clutch SST in Mitsubishi's own words), while other options for the American-spec model launched in Detroit include things like Recaro seats, HID headlights, a 650 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with 9-speakers, Sirius satellite radio, a power sunroof, and a 30Gb hard disk satellite navigation system.

While you will have to pay extra for those things, the aggressive design comes with the sticker price. Though it's not quite as wild looking as the Evolution model, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart gets the hood vents and scoop, a low rise rear spoiler, a ground hugging body kit and twin exhaust outlets.

The Ralliart model won't be as fast in a straight line or through corners as the Lancer Evolution model due to different tyres and less engine power, but it still benefits from it's hi-po cousin'sfull-time 4WD driveline. 

This 4x4 setup consists of an active center differential (ACD) that works via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, which vectors drive torque to the front and rear axles according to different driving conditions to provide increased levels of traction and response.

The Lancer Ralliart will also be equipped with a front helical and rear mechanical limited slip differentials, says Mitsubishi.

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- Mitsubishi Concept-RA (2008)
- Mitsubishi Lancer (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (2009)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008)
- Mitsubishi Outlander (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Prototype X Concept (2008)
- Suzuki Swift Sport vs. Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi 380 VRX (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)